Acadia National Park Statistics

Updated

Acadia National Park key statistics

  • 4,079,318 recreation visits in 20251
  • 3,348,611 recreation visits from January to September 2026 (preliminary), down 1.5% on the same months of 20251
  • 7th most visited of the 63 U.S. national parks in 20252
  • 184,695 overnight camping stays in 20253
  • $538.91 million spent by visitors in 20244
  • August was the busiest month of 2025, with 844,268 visitors1
  • About 38,000 acres, plus 12,500 acres of conservation easements5

How many people visit Acadia National Park each year?

Acadia National Park had 4.08 million visitors in 2025.1 Campers spent 184,695 nights in the park that year.3

  • The park had 3.44 million visitors in 20196. When the pandemic hit in 2020, visits fell 22% to 2.67 million.1
  • By 2021, visits had bounced back to 4.07 million7, 18% above the pre-pandemic level.
  • Numbers dipped in 2022 and 2023, to 3.97 million8 and 3.88 million visits, respectively.9
  • Visits rose again to 3.96 million in 2024 and 4.08 million in 20251, 19% above the 2019 figure.
Annual visits to Acadia National ParkRecreation visits, 2018–2025NPS Visitor Use Statistics1M2M3M4M5M3,537,5753,437,2862,669,0344,069,0983,970,2603,879,8903,961,6614,079,31820182019202020212022202320242025YearRecreation visits
Recreation visits to Acadia National Park each year, 2018–2025

How many people have visited Acadia National Park in 2026?

Acadia National Park recorded 3,348,611 recreation visits from January to September 2026, 1.5% fewer than the 3,400,080 recorded over the same months of 20251.

  • September 2026 brought 662,655 visits, up 0.5% from 659,471 in September 20251.
  • August 2026 was the busiest month so far, with 815,338 visits, down 3.4% from 844,268 in August 20251.
  • July 2026 drew 796,941 visits, almost level with the 797,030 of July 20251.
  • May (335,236 visits, up 3.7%) and February (12,804 visits, up 23.7%) were the only other months to beat 20251.

The 2026 figures are preliminary; the National Park Service finalizes them by the end of the first quarter of the following year1.

Acadia National Park recreation visits by month, 2025 and 20261
Month2025 visits2026 visits (preliminary)Change
January13,18310,757−18.4%
February10,35212,804+23.7%
March26,00023,136−11.0%
April95,20081,424−14.5%
May323,243335,236+3.7%
June631,333610,320−3.3%
July797,030796,9410.0%
August844,268815,338−3.4%
September659,471662,655+0.5%
October599,253Not yet released–
November68,005Not yet released–
December11,980Not yet released–
January–September3,400,0803,348,611−1.5%

Source · NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2026 figures are preliminary.

How many people visited Acadia National Park in 2025?

In 2025, Acadia National Park recorded 4,079,318 recreation visits, 3.0% more than the 3,961,661 visits of 2024. That left it 18.7% above the pre-pandemic level of 3,437,286 visits seen in 2019.

How much do visitors spend at Acadia National Park every year?

Visitors spent $538.91 million at Acadia National Park in 2024.4

  • In 2019, visitors spent $379.52 million6. Spending fell 20% to $303.73 million in 202010 due to the pandemic.
  • Spending rebounded to $486.06 million in 2021,7 28% above the pre-pandemic level.
  • In 2022, visitors spent $478.82 million8, and in 2023 that slipped 1% to $475.17 million11.
  • Visitor spending rose by 13% in 2024 to $538.91 million4.

These are the latest figures available: the National Park Service's visitor spending data for Acadia runs to 2024.4

Visitor spending at Acadia National ParkVisitor spending in US dollars, 2018–2024NPS Visitor Spending Effects$200M$400M$600M$387,653,848$379,516,744$303,733,924$486,055,861$478,821,010$475,174,662$538,905,9372018201920202021202220232024YearVisitor spending (USD)
Visitor spending at Acadia National Park, 2018–2024

How does Acadia rank among U.S. national parks?

  • First National Park East of the Mississippi: Acadia was the first national park established east of the Mississippi River.12 It was designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916, became Lafayette National Park in 1919 and was renamed Acadia National Park in 1929.5
  • 12th Best National Park: In July 2024, The Discoverer ranked Acadia 12th of the 63 U.S. national parks.13
  • Acadia was the 7th most visited U.S. national park in 2025, with 4,079,318 recreation visits.2
RankParkRecreation visits% of total
1Great Smoky Mountains NP11,527,939212.28%
2Zion NP4,984,52525.31%
3Yellowstone NP4,762,98825.07%
4Grand Canyon NP4,430,65324.72%
5Yosemite NP4,278,41324.56%
6Rocky Mountain NP4,171,43124.44%
7Acadia NP4,079,31824.34%
8Grand Teton NP3,800,64824.05%
9Olympic NP3,584,18723.82%
10Glacier NP3,136,55723.34%

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?

  • The best time to visit Acadia National Park is fall (September to October), when the leaves turn, the weather cools and the crowds thin out.
  • Summer (June to August) is also a good choice, with warm weather, every trail open and plenty of hiking and biking.
  • Winter is the quietest time to visit: December, January and February each drew fewer than 14,000 visitors in 2025.1

What were Acadia National Park’s peak tourist months in 2025?

  • August was Acadia National Park's busiest month in 2025, with 844,268 visitors1. Warm weather, fully open facilities and family vacations all played a part.
  • July (797,030 visitors)1 came close behind, helped by summer vacations and good weather for hiking and time on the water.
  • June (631,333 visitors)1 opened the summer season, drawing early-season travelers with pleasant weather and smaller crowds than July and August.
  • Cooler weather and the first fall colors made September (659,471 visitors)1 popular for scenic drives and photography.
  • Peak fall foliage and comfortable hiking weather kept the park busy in October (599,253 visitors)1.
Acadia National Park's busiest months in 2025Recreation visits by month, 2025NPS Visitor Use Statistics200K400K600K800K1M13,18310,35226,00095,200323,243631,333797,030844,268659,471599,25368,00511,980JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecMonthRecreation visits
Recreation visits to Acadia National Park by month, 2025

How many people visit Acadia National Park per day?

Acadia National Park averaged about 11,180 recreation visits a day in 2025, based on 4,079,318 visits over the year1. That is up from about 9,420 a day in 2019.

  • August was the busiest month, averaging about 27,230 visits a day1.
  • February was the quietest, averaging about 370 visits a day1.

How many people camp in Acadia National Park each year?

Campers spent 184,695 nights at Acadia National Park in 2025, 7% fewer than the 198,531 in 2024 and 8% below the 201,055 of 20193. The National Park Service counts camping as overnight stays (one person for one night), not as individual campers. Only 307 stays were recorded in 2020, all at concessioner campgrounds.

Camping overnight stays at Acadia National ParkCamping overnight stays, 2018–2025Source · NPS Visitor Use Statistics50K100K150K200K250K205,795201,055307151,649189,186172,862198,531184,69520182019202020212022202320242025YearCamping overnight stays
Camping overnight stays at Acadia National Park per year, 2018–2025
  • In 2025, tent camping was the most popular type at Acadia National Park, with 128,931 overnight stays,3 followed by RV camping with 52,795.
  • Concessioner camping accounted for 1,681 overnight stays3 and backcountry camping for 1,288, the Park Service's label for stays outside the main campgrounds, most likely at the Duck Harbor lean-tos on Isle au Haut.

Read more about Camping Statistics in the US.

Acadia National Park camping by type, 2025Overnight stays by type of camping, 2025NPS Visitor Use StatisticsTent camping · 69.8%RV camping · 28.6%Concessioner camping · 0.9%Backcountry camping · 0.7%184,695camper overnightstays
Camping overnight stays at Acadia National Park by type, 2025

How do people camp in Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park has two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, one on the Schoodic Peninsula and five lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut14. In 2025, tent campers made up about 70% of the park's 184,695 camping overnight stays and RV campers about 29%3.

  • Blackwoods: On the east side of Mount Desert Island, close to the Park Loop Road. Its RV sites take vehicles up to 35 feet, and RV and tent sites cost $30 a night15. It is open from May 1 to October 19 in 202616.
  • Seawall: On the west side of Mount Desert Island near the coast, open from May 20 to October 12 in 202616.
  • Schoodic Woods: On the Schoodic Peninsula, the only mainland section of the park, with RV sites that have electric and water hookups for $40 a night17. It is open from May 20 to October 12 in 202616.
  • Duck Harbor: Lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut, reached only by mailboat from the mainland, open from June 17 to October 5 in 202616.
  • Booking: Every campsite must be reserved in advance on Recreation.gov. At Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods, 90% of sites are released six months ahead and the rest 14 days ahead14. There is no backcountry or winter camping, and no overnight parking, anywhere in the park.

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Acadia National Park facts: size, history and wildlife

  • Location: On the coast of Maine, mostly on Mount Desert Island.
  • Establishment: Originally established as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916, it became Lafayette National Park in 1919 and was renamed Acadia National Park in 1929.5
  • Size: Covers about 38,000 acres, plus 12,500 acres of conservation easements, including mountains, forests, lakes and 65 miles of rugged coastline.5
  • Cadillac Mountain: The park’s highest point at 1,530 feet, and the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise from October to March.18
  • Wildlife: Home to moose, black bears, bald eagles, seals, and a variety of marine life.
  • Activities: Offers hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, and stargazing, with 150+ miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads5.

Why do people visit Acadia National Park?

People visit Acadia National Park for its rocky coastline, home to the highest rocky headlands on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Other reasons include:

  • Cadillac Mountain sunrise: The highest point on the U.S. eastern seaboard can be reached by car, and sunrise is the busiest time to visit the summit.18
  • Park Loop Road and the coastline: A 27-mile scenic drive links the park's lakes, mountains and shoreline, with stops such as Sand Beach and Thunder Hole.19
  • The carriage roads: John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his family built these car-free roads between 1913 and 1940, and walkers, cyclists and horse-drawn carriages share them today.20
  • Jordan Pond and hiking: One of the park's most pristine lakes, Jordan Pond draws visitors to its hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking, and the famous tea and popovers at the Jordan Pond House.21

What are the most common causes of death in Acadia National Park?

There were 33 recorded deaths in Acadia National Park between 2007 and February 2026.22 Falls and medical emergencies during physical activity were the most common causes:

  • Fall (7 deaths)22
  • Medical – During physical activity (7 deaths)22
  • Drowning (5 deaths)22
  • Motor Vehicle Crash (4 deaths)22
  • Suicide (4 deaths)22
  • Undetermined (4 deaths)22
  • Homicide (1 death)22
  • Hypothermia (1 death)22

Before 2014, the National Park Service recorded only accidental deaths, so totals are not directly comparable across all years, and records from 2020 on are provisional22.

Causes of death in Acadia National ParkDeaths recorded, 2007 to February 2026NPS Mortality DataFall7Medical - During physical activity7Drowning5Motor Vehicle Crash4Suicide4Undetermined4Homicide1Hypothermia1Deaths
Deaths in Acadia National Park by cause, 2007 to February 2026

Is Acadia National Park dangerous?

Deaths in Acadia National Park are rare for a park with about 4 million visits a year, as the figures above show, but cliffs, cold water and fast-changing coastal weather all call for care. A few precautions help keep you, and the park, safe:

  • Trail Safety: Stick to marked trails, wear sturdy footwear, and choose trails suited to your abilities.
  • Weather Preparedness: Check forecasts, dress in layers, and carry rain gear.
  • Wildlife Safety: Observe animals from a distance and follow bear safety guidelines.
  • Water Safety: Wear a life jacket on the water and watch the tides and currents.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Pack essentials (water, food, first-aid kit) and inform someone of your plans.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave plants, rocks and wildlife as you find them.
  • Vehicle Safety: Drive cautiously and watch for wildlife and pedestrians.

Acadia National Park FAQs

How much does it cost to enter Acadia National Park?

A seven-day entrance pass costs $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle and $20 per person entering on foot or by bicycle.23 Non-US residents pay an extra $100 per person on top of the standard pass. An Acadia annual pass costs $70.

Do you need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain?

Yes, if you drive up the Cadillac Summit Road between May 20 and October 25, 2026.24 Vehicle reservations cost $6, are sold only online at Recreation.gov, and are needed on top of the park entrance pass. You do not need one if you walk, cycle or arrive by taxi.

Can you drive an RV in Acadia National Park?

Yes, but not everywhere. RVs, trailers and any vehicle over 21 feet long are banned from the Cadillac Summit Road.24 The Park Loop Road has several low bridges, so vehicles 10 feet 4 inches or taller should not use it.15

Can you stay overnight in Acadia National Park?

Only at the park's campgrounds, which must be booked in advance on Recreation.gov.14 There is no backcountry or winter camping and no overnight parking, but there are many places to stay in nearby towns.

More national park statistics

References

  1. NPS IRMA Visitor Use Statistics — Recreation Visitors by Month, Acadia NP (1979 – last calendar year) · irma.nps.gov ↑ b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v
  2. Most Visited National Parks in 2025 — Ranked by Visitation · publiclandsdata.com ↑ b c d e f g h i j k l
  3. NPS IRMA Visitor Use Statistics — Overnight Stays by Category and Year, Acadia NP (1979 – last calendar year) · irma.nps.gov ↑ b c d e f
  4. NPS Visitor Spending Effects — park results, Acadia National Park (ACAD), 2012–2024 · irmaservices.nps.gov ↑ b c d
  5. Park Brochure — Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Service) · nps.gov ↑ b c d e
  6. 2019 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation · nps.gov ↑ b
  7. 2021 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation · nps.gov ↑ b
  8. 2022 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation · nps.gov ↑ b
  9. NPS Visitor Use Statistics — Statistical Abstract 2023 · irma.nps.gov ↑
  10. 2020 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation · nps.gov ↑
  11. 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects: Economic Contributions to Local Communities, States, and the Nation (NPS Science Report NPS/SR—2024/174) · nps.gov ↑
  12. Wayside: Creating Acadia (U.S. National Park Service) · nps.gov ↑
  13. Every U.S. National Park, Ranked (The Discoverer) · thediscoverer.com ↑
  14. Camping — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑ b c
  15. Blackwoods Campground — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑ b
  16. Operating Hours & Seasons — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑ b c d
  17. Schoodic Woods Campground — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑
  18. Cadillac Mountain — Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Service) · nps.gov ↑ b
  19. Park Loop Road — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑
  20. Carriage Roads — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑
  21. Jordan Pond — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑
  22. NPS Mortality Data, CY2007 onward (Prevention and Response Branch FOIA release) · nps.gov ↑ b c d e f g h i j
  23. Entrance Fees — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑
  24. Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations — Acadia National Park (NPS) · nps.gov ↑ b
  25. NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitations, Spending, Ranking, and Park Reports · nps.gov
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